Stent having non-woven framework containing cells

Abstract

Implantable medical devices that include a non-woven framework are described, as well as methods of using such devices to deliver therapeutic compounds to a patient.

1. An implantable medical device comprising a stent, a non-woven framework attached to said stent, and in vitro seeded cells within said non-woven framework, wherein said non-woven framework comprises stainless steel fibers and pores having an average size of at least 40 μm, wherein said non-woven framework is not coated with an extracellular matrix protein, and wherein said implantable medical device is implantable within the vascular system of a mammal via percutaneous deployment. 
     
     
       2. The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein said cells express a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of vascular endothelial growth factor, natriuretic peptide, prostacyclin synthase, angiostatin, endostatin, erythropoietin, and a marker polypeptide. 
     
     
       3. The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein said stent is balloon expandable or self-expanding.